Image: File photo, Government of B.C. via Flickr / B.C. Premier David Eby was on hand Monday (June 12) in downtown Chilliwack to announce the opening of a new Indigenous Justice Centre in Chilliwack, and to announce $10 million in funding towards First Nations' community-based justice programs. According to a new release from the B.C. government, Indigenous people account for five per cent of the B.C. population, but represent 30 per cent of incarcerated individuals in the province. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Indigenous Justice Centre in Chilliwack

Premier Eby announces new Indigenous Justice Centre will open in Chilliwack

Jun 12, 2023 | 12:55 PM

CHILLIWACK — B.C. Premier David Eby says the opening of a new Indigenous Justice Centre in Chilliwack will herald the start of a new era for First Nations individuals seeking legal supports and healing opportunities.

Eby was on hand Monday (June 12) in downtown Chilliwack to announce the new centre and $10 million in funding to support First Nations’ community-based justice programs.

“Making our communities safer means addressing the core issues that bring people into conflict with the law and their neighbours – a lifetime in and out of jail and back again doesn’t make anybody safer. We have to break that cycle,” said Eby. “For Indigenous people in B.C., the solutions to break that cycle are most likely to be successful if they’re culturally grounded. That’s why I’m so happy we are working with the First Nations Justice Council to deliver this highly effective service for Indigenous people who are struggling in Chilliwack. The great news is that by helping individuals, the whole community will see the benefits of this remarkable service.”

In B.C., Indigenous Peoples comprise about five per cent of the population, yet account for approximately 30 per cent of people who are incarcerated in B.C. To help remedy this, the B.C. government is working with the BC First Nations Justice Council to advance the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy, which reflects the vision and priorities of First Nations communities to transform B.C.’s justice system.

Indigenous Justice Centres (IJCs) and First Nations community justice programs are key parts of the strategy. The province says Indigenous Justice Centres provide culturally appropriate information, advice, supports and representation for Indigenous Peoples involved in the justice system for both criminal and child-protection matters. The centres aim to address the circumstances that may have led to the offences in the first place and ensure that needs, such as housing, mental-health and addictions treatment and employment services are addressed.

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“Justice systems grounded in Indigenous self-determination will right the wrongs of the past and sustain safety, balance and wellness,” said Kory Wilson, chair, B.C. First Nations Justice Council. “Indigenous approaches to justice, with culturally appropriate supports, hold the most promise to address the issue of over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system. Our IJCs, supported by justice programs and workers from local Nations, will move the needle and make B.C. communities safer for all.”

The Chilliwack Indigenous Justice Centre offers services, such as legal advice, connections to local support services and assistance creating a personalized restorative justice plan. There are currently four Indigenous Justice Centres operating in B.C. including Chilliwack, Prince Rupert, Prince George and Merritt, as well as a virtual centre that can serve the whole province. The provincial 2023 budget includes $44 million to expand the centres to 15 locations and one virtual centre over three years.

“I look at the new Indigenous Justice Centre and I am hopeful for the moves we’ve made toward healing,” said Boyd Peters, director for the B.C. First Nations Justice Council. “A centre like this, in community, is where healing and real change happens – this is where we can affect decisions that prevent people from being in the system for the rest of their lives. We look forward to working with Stó꞉lō leadership and communities, as well as Chilliwack’s urban Indigenous community, to vision what the future holds for this IJC. The potential is limitless.”

The BC First Nations Justice Council is developing an application process for First Nations to apply for new funding to support community justice programs. The funding can also be used by First Nations to establish justice worker teams that will help community members navigate the justice system.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “By working in partnership with the B.C. First Nations Justice Council to implement changes identified by First Nations, we can help build more resilient communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous Peoples for generations to come.”

Supporting the implementation of the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy is a key part of the province’s commitments to advancing reconciliation under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and improving public safety.